4 Cabernet Sauvignon Alternatives

Looking to expand your wine selection but not sure where to start? I've got you covered!

If you like Cabernet Sauvignon, then you’ll love…

🍷 Touriga Nacional (“tor-ee-gah nah-see-un-nall”)
Tastes like: blueberry, plum, eucalyptus, cocoa

• Grown almost exclusively in Portugal. 
• The bottle could say Touriga Nacional on it or might just be listed on the back as one of the grapes in the wine.
  • My tip: Ask for help finding it in a small wine shop or search ahead online at big box stores like Total Wine so you know what you’re looking for! 

🍷 Rioja (“ree-oh-ha”)
Tastes like: roasted strawberries, vanilla, tobacco

• Style of wine from Spain. 
• The grape used is primarily Tempranillo. 
• If you prefer more fresh fruity flavors, look for simply “Rioja” or “Rioja Crianza.” 
• If you like more earthy, oaky, or dried fruit flavors look for “Rioja Reserva” or “Rioja Gran Reserva.” 

🍷 Mourvèdre (“moo-ved-dray”)
Tastes like: blackberry, black pepper, smoke

• Also known as Monastrell (primarily in Spain), this grape has been gaining in popularity. 
• Big full bodied wine that often has a unique aroma of roasted meat. 
• Grown all over the world, but most well known in Spain, France, and the U.S. 
• Spanish and French bottles are labeled by the region the wine is from, so “Jumilla” and “Bandol” respectively. Whereas U.S. bottles should say “Mourvèdre” on them! 

🍷Tannat (“tuh-not”)
Tastes like: plum, cardamom, anise 

• Originally from France, this grape is now grown mostly in Uruguay! 
  • You’ll also find it making waves in Virginia surprisingly enough. 
• Expect a full body and lots of tannin with this wine. 
• Most bottles should say “Tannat” on them, so if a wine shop has it, it’s not too hard to find! 

Which wine do you want to try first??

Join the Cork Crew, my virtual wine tasting club, to try new wines every month! Some of our upcoming themes include Reds of the Alpine Region, an Intro to Croatian Wine, and a fun game of Wine Jeopardy! 
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